Kenya breaks ground on East Africa’s first modern liquid oxygen manufacturing plant

KENYA—Hewatele, a leading medical oxygen producer in Kenya, has announced plans to construct East Africa’s first modern liquid oxygen manufacturing plant.

This significant development will address the growing demand for medical-grade oxygen in regional healthcare facilities and strengthen health systems.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, Hewatele highlighted the importance of medical oxygen in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals for health.

The new plant at the Tatu Industrial Park will produce high-quality liquid oxygen, ensuring consistent availability in healthcare facilities across Kenya and neighbouring countries.

A consortium of development partners, including the United States Development Finance Corporation, the government of Finland through Finnfund, Grand Challenges Canada, Soros Economic Development Fund, and the UBS Optimus Foundation of Switzerland, has funded the project with a total investment of Ksh.2.58 billion (US$20 million).

The initiative aligns with the World Health Organization’s recommendation to enhance access to medical oxygen, as emphasized during the seventy-sixth World Health Assembly.

Dr. Bernard Olayo, founder of Hewatele, emphasized the fundamental human right to quality emergency healthcare and its impact on improving quality of life.

For his part, Ambassador of Finland Pirkka Tapiola expressed his country’s pride in supporting the project and its expected developmental impact on Kenya’s healthcare sector.

He highlighted the partnership’s contribution to enhancing the affordable oxygen supply chain and ensuring effective emergency preparedness.

U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman also expressed her enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its benefits for both Kenya and the broader East African region.

She noted that the facility would not only improve healthcare but also create jobs and contribute to economic growth.

The new liquid oxygen manufacturing plant represents a significant transformation in healthcare for Kenya and the broader East African region.

With a daily production capacity of 20 tonnes, the facility will reach an estimated 300 healthcare facilities, saving countless lives.

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